San Diego Democrats Endorse IB Medical Marijuana Initiative

The Central Committee of the San Diego Democratic Party endorsed the Safe Access Ordinance at a meeting Tuesday evening.

"Support of medical marijuana is consistent with the Democratic party's position in the past," said Central Committee Chair Jess Durfee.

Democrats also endorsed medical marijuana ballot initiatvies in Del Mar, Solana Beach and Lemon Grove.

The Republican Party of San Diego County have not yet considered the issue, but may endorse or oppose initiatives at a Sept. 10 meeting, said chairman Tony Krvaric.

"We'll see," Krvaric said. "Once in a while we agree on some things."

Members of the Imperial Beach City Council have repeatedly expressed opposition to the Safe Access Ordinance.

Shortly after city council on the Nov. 6 ballot, a competing ballot initiative was unanimously approved, citing issues with the ordinance that would regulate medical marijuana.

The city .

According to city staff estimates, more than 20 medical marijuana dispensaries could be established in commercial zones on Palm Avenue, Seacoast Drive and Imperial Beach Boulevard if voters approve the ordinance.

A majority of Imperial Beach voters approved Prop 19 to legalize marijuana in California in 2010 and Prop 215 to legalize medical marijuna in 1996.